Blog


The Spend Profile: It’s Time You Got to Know Your Own Company

No, procurement officers, it’s not your imagination. People are staring. All eyes are on you. Hellish 2020 may be over, but now it’s February 2021 and companies are desperately trying to identify areas of cost-saving opportunity while shoring up a teetering supply chain. It’s time to step into the breach.

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Be at the Forefront of Digital Transformation

digital transformation

Big events have the knack of etching themselves into our cultural timeline. Previous generations spoke of pre-war and post-war, and now, it seems, current generations have their own reference point: pre- and post-COVID. Only the events that clearly mark a point of change in our society achieve this privilege, and…

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The Post-COVID Workplace: Can Your Systems Cope?

It’s a testament to what humanity can achieve when we work together that vaccines for COVID-19 are already being administered. While it’s a cause for celebration, it’s important to remember that it will be a long time before we reach worldwide herd immunity (if ever). As procurement professionals, we know…

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Contingent Workers: You Never Stop Learning

Contingent workers

Life is full of things that come and go. Friends, money, health, a 32-inch waistline. Education, however, is the one thing you get to hold on to for life. Once you have it, no one can take it away from you. Continually building upon it and developing skills is any…

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Don’t Be a Statistic: Take an Active Role in Stakeholder Decision Making

Shaking hands with stakeholders in the procurement process

Look away now. We’re about to tell you the cost of poorly executed procurement projects. A 2015 Deloitte report estimates that poor procurement practices cost the Australian government $239 million per annum. That’s not an insignificant number, needless to say, especially in light of 2020. ‘Poor procurement practice’ is an…

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The Fragility of Our Supply Chains Has Been Exposed. Now What?

For Barrett’s 12 Sales Trends Report last year, my article – We change, or we burn – argued that the Bronze Age collapse was a warning we should heed. Due to the complex logistical nature of the procurement process behind the production of bronze, the world of the Bronze Age…

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How agile is your supply chain?

Three people staring at a ticking clock, wondering if they have an agile supply chain

Now is the time to ensure you can respond quickly to changes in your supply chain. ‘Let’s face it – it can’t get any worse.’ This came from a man on ABC News, talking about the impact of COVID-19. It’s an optimistic statement at best, but more likely famous last…

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Procurement Consultant: Selecting the Right One

The right procurement consultant for your needs

If you’re in the hunt for the right procurement consultant, now is the time to strike. The pandemic has moved a lot of great procurement talent to the bench and, with the recession, many organisations are in the process of restructuring. Unfortunately, most restructurings aren’t perfect. One company’s misstep, though,…

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7 Keys to a Successful Reverse Auction

Reverse auctions

Reverse Auctions are a great way to generate significant cost savings. According to CNBC, companies are typically saving 10 to 20% by using reverse auctions, but I’ve also seen others quote savings over 30%. However, it’s got to be done right. So, how do you run a successful reverse auction?…

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The gig economy and contingent workers – the new normal

The gig economy

What do you think of when you hear the phrase “workers in the gig economy”? Uber drivers? Freelancers working through apps like Fiverr and Airtasker? Maybe you’re old school and still think of “gigs” as something musicians perform. Yet gig workers are everywhere, including in corporate boardrooms. Marketing consultants, data…

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Comprara acknowledges the traditional Aboriginal owners of country, recognises their continuing connection to land, water and community and pays respect to Elders past, present and future.